Three members of the same Essex family received more than seven years in prison on September 11 after a jury found them guilty of racial hatred and terrorism offenses for creating, performing, and distributing neo-Nazi music.
Woolwich Crown Court convicted Robert Talland, 59, his son Stephen, 36, and daughter Rosie, 33, in June after a nine-week trial. Robert also faced two counts of disseminating terrorist material.
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Robert Talland: 4 years in prison, plus 1 year on licence; 10-year Terrorism Notification Order; ordered to pay court costs with seized cash.
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Stephen Talland: 2 years in prison.
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Rosie Talland: 18 months in prison.
The court also ordered all three to surrender electronic devices and neo-Nazi memorabilia for destruction and to pay a victim surcharge.
Investigators revealed Robert led the extremist group Blood & Honour, which hosted neo-Nazi music festivals and sold merchandise for far-right rock bands. He also ran Rampage Productions, a label that distributed white-power CDs. Rosie and Stephen performed in the band Embers of an Empire, managed by Robert.
Counter Terrorism Policing North East arrested the family on October 1, 2020, following a year-long investigation. Detectives discovered hundreds of extremist CDs, Blood & Honour banners, and merchandise in Robert’s home. The music contained lyrics inciting violence and terrorism.
The court heard Robert had organized a 2019 Leeds gig where Embers of an Empire performed songs glorifying racist violence. CCTV showed audience members making Nazi salutes.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley condemned the Tallands’ actions:
“Robert, Stephen and Rosie Talland were part of a network of hatred that promoted violence and extreme right-wing terrorism across Europe. Through their gigs and events, they encouraged intolerance and glorified murder—even in front of children. Such attitudes of hatred and violence have no place in our society.”
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